David Smith Stadium
Rising to
The Renovation of
David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field
River Falls High School Wildcats
Rising to
David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field renovation In 2006, the University of Wisconsin - River Falls launched an effort to raise funds to renovate Ramer Field, an athletic complex which
What’s next? Our goal is to have a first class Division III and high school stadium that reflects the success and achievements of the River Falls community’s teams and is up to par with the new UWRF Falcon Center next door.
has been serving UWRF and River Falls High School teams for over “I am excited to update the image of a program with so much tradition and so many great players, generous
four decades. While major support for the campaign was evident,
IMPROVEMENTS
ESTIMATED COST
TIMELINE
was never abandoned and now the UWRF football, RFHS football,
Replace natural grass field with
$850,000, from Falcon Center
In 2014 (subject to availability
and UWRF track and field teams are poised to receive long-awaited
an artificial turf field
construction funds and
of Falcon Center funds)
institutional changes resulted in a lag in momentum. The project
donations from the prior “Yards
upgrades to their home field.
of Memory” campaign.
alums, and long-time supporters. The new
What’s been accomplished so far?
stadium, in addition to the $63.5 million
•
In 2010, new stadium lighting and a public address system were
Falcon Center, will soon
installed, thanks to support of donors and UWRF program revenue
mean that River Falls
funds.
has one of the nation’s best small college
•
In 2011, a steering committee was formed amongst decision-makers
collections of athletic
and stakeholders from UWRF, the UWRF Foundation, the School
facilities. The effect on
District of River Falls, the community and alumni.
our recruiting efforts will be unbelievable.”
•
In summer 2012, the architectural firm of Lien and Peterson updated the David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field renovation plan to provide
Matt Walker, UWRF
current cost estimates and to ensure compliance with building code.
Head Football Coach
On April 4, 2013 Lien & Peterson was confirmed as project architect. •
In late 2012, fundraising endeavors were revitalized and by April 2013, total commitments were $1.57 million in gifts, pledges and other funds, including a naming gift from the David Smith Family and First National Bank first announced in 2007.
•
With approval of the adjacent Falcon Center Health & Human Performance Facility project in March 2013, the opportunity for synergies became evident and it was decided that the artificial field turf budgeted for Falcon Center practice fields will instead be installed on the David Smith Stadium playing field.
Construct a new press box
$1,900,000, of which $1.57
Completion by 2014 football
including coaches’ areas,
million has been paid or
season
announcer booth, press area,
pledged to date.
VIP suite and elevator Modify and expand Ramer Field restroom facilities as necessary to meet building code Build new west entrance plaza Add handicapped access to the existing west grandstand Add additional restroom
Estimated at an additional
When sufficient funds are
facilities to meet building code
$1,000,000
secured
Replace west grandstand Integrate fan services into west grandstand
Anticipated Renovation Timeline for the David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field: Through August 2013
Secure additional financial resources
September 2013
Board of Regents approval based on funds
secured State Building Commission approval to proceed
October 2013
Construction bids submitted, contractor hired
Be part of the winning team! Unlike many facility projects on the UWRF campus, General Purpose Revenue (i.e. State of Wisconsin tax dollars) cannot be used for the enhancement of David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field. UWRF students have agreed to support the project with $525,000 of student fees. The rest of the funds must come from private sources. The David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field renovation plan that will be presented to the UW Board of Regents and the State Building Commission for construction approval will depend on how many funds are gifted and committed as of September 2013. “A facility like this, combined with the
Spring 2014 April 2014
Renovation begins Construction of new press box and west entrance; creation of handicapped accessible seating and expansion of restroom facilities
May/June 2014
Installation of artificial field turf on football playing field (depending on the Falcon Center project timeline)
August 2014
Renovated David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field
opens
Funding plan for the renovation of David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field: Estimated Project Cost
new UWRF Falcon Center, will have a profound impact on the growth and prosperity of the
$1,900,000
University and the Region. The sense of
Pledged/Recieved as of May 2013
$1,574,593
Including funding and commitments from:
UWRF Student Fees
First National Bank and the Smith Family
School District of River Falls
Nearly 200 other individuals and organizations
is time for action.” Coach Mike Farley (1970-1988) UWRF, WFCA & WIAC Hall-of-Fame
Additional Private Funds Required
urgency is now and it
$325,407
Rising to
River Falls High School Wildcats
Available Naming Opportunities:
“I have had the unique
All amounts are preliminary estimates based on pre-design.
Ramer Field Steering Committee Members
Football Locker Rooms (in Falcon Center):
$270,000 each (2 available)
Roger Ternes
Chair; UW-River Falls Athletic Director
Field in 1966, and also
Press Box:
$150,000
Tom Carroll (UWRF, ’70)
Retired Principal, Baldwin/Woodville High
coaching the RFHS
School
football team there
experience of playing in the first UWRF game played on Ramer
Entrance Plaza:
$100,000
Bob Dawson (UWRF, ’62)
Retired Principal, Eau Claire School District
for many years. It
VIP Suite in Press Box:
$100,000
Brenda Gaulke
Community Member
has been a wonderful
Named Spaces in Press Box (e.g. home
$10,000 to $50,000
Rollie Hall (UWRF, ’89)
Athletic Director, River Falls High School
facility to compete at
coaches, visiting coaches, radio booths,
(8 available)
Jeff Johnson
President, First National Bank of River Falls
for 46 years, but now it
public address, etc.):
Chris Mueller
President, UW-River Falls Foundation
Max Neuhaus (UWRF, ’00)
Attorney, Rodli, Beskar, Pletcher and
Krueger
Chris O’Brien (UWRF, ’91)
General Manager, Arrow Building Center,
Hudson, WI
Pavilion:
$50,000
needs to be improved to meet present day standards. We alumni need to step forward and help, so please
Concession Stand:
$50,000
Individual Football Lockers:
$500 ea. or
Greg Peters
State Farm Insurance Agent
$250 ea. for UWRF graduates of
gift or pledge to this
Don Richards (UWRF, ’55)
Former Mayor, City of River Falls
2000 or later (100 available)
important project.”
Dean Van Galen
Chancellor, UW-River Falls
Memory Bricks in Entrance Plaza:
$500 (8” by 8” brick)
Matt Walker
Head Football Coach, UW-River Falls
Tom Carroll, UWRF,
$250 (4” by 8” brick)
Tom Westerhaus (UWRF, ‘78)
Retired Superintendent, School District of
Wildcat and WFCA
River Falls
Halls of Fame
Angel Zimmerman
Chief Operating Officer, Sajan, Inc.
“From River Falls Normal Teachers College to the University of Wisconsin at River Falls and all the stops in between, this stop undoubtedly will be one of the largest in the University’s history. Congratulations to all who fought the good fight for the student athlete, the University, and the City of River Falls.” Jim (Cubby) Baier, NAIA 1966 All-American running back, UWRF Hall of Fame
consider making a
To make a gift, or for more information on how to support the renovation of the David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field, contact: UWRF Foundation 310 South Hall 410 S. Third Street River Falls, WI 54022 (715) 425-3505 [email protected] Or make your gift online today! www.uwrf.edu/giving
The Renovation of
David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field
River Falls High School Wildcats
Rising to
David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field renovation In 2006, the University of Wisconsin - River Falls launched an effort to raise funds to renovate Ramer Field, an athletic complex which
What’s next? Our goal is to have a first class Division III and high school stadium that reflects the success and achievements of the River Falls community’s teams and is up to par with the new UWRF Falcon Center next door.
has been serving UWRF and River Falls High School teams for over “I am excited to update the image of a program with so much tradition and so many great players, generous
four decades. While major support for the campaign was evident,
IMPROVEMENTS
ESTIMATED COST
TIMELINE
was never abandoned and now the UWRF football, RFHS football,
Replace natural grass field with
$850,000, from Falcon Center
In 2014 (subject to availability
and UWRF track and field teams are poised to receive long-awaited
an artificial turf field
construction funds and
of Falcon Center funds)
institutional changes resulted in a lag in momentum. The project
donations from the prior “Yards
upgrades to their home field.
of Memory” campaign.
alums, and long-time supporters. The new
What’s been accomplished so far?
stadium, in addition to the $63.5 million
•
In 2010, new stadium lighting and a public address system were
Falcon Center, will soon
installed, thanks to support of donors and UWRF program revenue
mean that River Falls
funds.
has one of the nation’s best small college
•
In 2011, a steering committee was formed amongst decision-makers
collections of athletic
and stakeholders from UWRF, the UWRF Foundation, the School
facilities. The effect on
District of River Falls, the community and alumni.
our recruiting efforts will be unbelievable.”
•
In summer 2012, the architectural firm of Lien and Peterson updated the David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field renovation plan to provide
Matt Walker, UWRF
current cost estimates and to ensure compliance with building code.
Head Football Coach
On April 4, 2013 Lien & Peterson was confirmed as project architect. •
In late 2012, fundraising endeavors were revitalized and by April 2013, total commitments were $1.57 million in gifts, pledges and other funds, including a naming gift from the David Smith Family and First National Bank first announced in 2007.
•
With approval of the adjacent Falcon Center Health & Human Performance Facility project in March 2013, the opportunity for synergies became evident and it was decided that the artificial field turf budgeted for Falcon Center practice fields will instead be installed on the David Smith Stadium playing field.
Construct a new press box
$1,900,000, of which $1.57
Completion by 2014 football
including coaches’ areas,
million has been paid or
season
announcer booth, press area,
pledged to date.
VIP suite and elevator Modify and expand Ramer Field restroom facilities as necessary to meet building code Build new west entrance plaza Add handicapped access to the existing west grandstand Add additional restroom
Estimated at an additional
When sufficient funds are
facilities to meet building code
$1,000,000
secured
Replace west grandstand Integrate fan services into west grandstand
Anticipated Renovation Timeline for the David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field: Through August 2013
Secure additional financial resources
September 2013
Board of Regents approval based on funds
secured State Building Commission approval to proceed
October 2013
Construction bids submitted, contractor hired
Be part of the winning team! Unlike many facility projects on the UWRF campus, General Purpose Revenue (i.e. State of Wisconsin tax dollars) cannot be used for the enhancement of David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field. UWRF students have agreed to support the project with $525,000 of student fees. The rest of the funds must come from private sources. The David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field renovation plan that will be presented to the UW Board of Regents and the State Building Commission for construction approval will depend on how many funds are gifted and committed as of September 2013. “A facility like this, combined with the
Spring 2014 April 2014
Renovation begins Construction of new press box and west entrance; creation of handicapped accessible seating and expansion of restroom facilities
May/June 2014
Installation of artificial field turf on football playing field (depending on the Falcon Center project timeline)
August 2014
Renovated David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field
opens
Funding plan for the renovation of David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field: Estimated Project Cost
new UWRF Falcon Center, will have a profound impact on the growth and prosperity of the
$1,900,000
University and the Region. The sense of
Pledged/Recieved as of May 2013
$1,574,593
Including funding and commitments from:
UWRF Student Fees
First National Bank and the Smith Family
School District of River Falls
Nearly 200 other individuals and organizations
is time for action.” Coach Mike Farley (1970-1988) UWRF, WFCA & WIAC Hall-of-Fame
Additional Private Funds Required
urgency is now and it
$325,407
Rising to
River Falls High School Wildcats
Available Naming Opportunities:
“I have had the unique
All amounts are preliminary estimates based on pre-design.
Ramer Field Steering Committee Members
Football Locker Rooms (in Falcon Center):
$270,000 each (2 available)
Roger Ternes
Chair; UW-River Falls Athletic Director
Field in 1966, and also
Press Box:
$150,000
Tom Carroll (UWRF, ’70)
Retired Principal, Baldwin/Woodville High
coaching the RFHS
School
football team there
experience of playing in the first UWRF game played on Ramer
Entrance Plaza:
$100,000
Bob Dawson (UWRF, ’62)
Retired Principal, Eau Claire School District
for many years. It
VIP Suite in Press Box:
$100,000
Brenda Gaulke
Community Member
has been a wonderful
Named Spaces in Press Box (e.g. home
$10,000 to $50,000
Rollie Hall (UWRF, ’89)
Athletic Director, River Falls High School
facility to compete at
coaches, visiting coaches, radio booths,
(8 available)
Jeff Johnson
President, First National Bank of River Falls
for 46 years, but now it
public address, etc.):
Chris Mueller
President, UW-River Falls Foundation
Max Neuhaus (UWRF, ’00)
Attorney, Rodli, Beskar, Pletcher and
Krueger
Chris O’Brien (UWRF, ’91)
General Manager, Arrow Building Center,
Hudson, WI
Pavilion:
$50,000
needs to be improved to meet present day standards. We alumni need to step forward and help, so please
Concession Stand:
$50,000
Individual Football Lockers:
$500 ea. or
Greg Peters
State Farm Insurance Agent
$250 ea. for UWRF graduates of
gift or pledge to this
Don Richards (UWRF, ’55)
Former Mayor, City of River Falls
2000 or later (100 available)
important project.”
Dean Van Galen
Chancellor, UW-River Falls
Memory Bricks in Entrance Plaza:
$500 (8” by 8” brick)
Matt Walker
Head Football Coach, UW-River Falls
Tom Carroll, UWRF,
$250 (4” by 8” brick)
Tom Westerhaus (UWRF, ‘78)
Retired Superintendent, School District of
Wildcat and WFCA
River Falls
Halls of Fame
Angel Zimmerman
Chief Operating Officer, Sajan, Inc.
“From River Falls Normal Teachers College to the University of Wisconsin at River Falls and all the stops in between, this stop undoubtedly will be one of the largest in the University’s history. Congratulations to all who fought the good fight for the student athlete, the University, and the City of River Falls.” Jim (Cubby) Baier, NAIA 1966 All-American running back, UWRF Hall of Fame
consider making a
To make a gift, or for more information on how to support the renovation of the David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field, contact: UWRF Foundation 310 South Hall 410 S. Third Street River Falls, WI 54022 (715) 425-3505 [email protected] Or make your gift online today! www.uwrf.edu/giving
